Color and fragrance

"Color must be thought out, inspired, dreamed out"

Gustave Moreau

Since childhood, we have been accustomed to “peeping out” a rainbow in the sky, enjoying the play of wide multi-colored stripes, cutting through the dark gray post-storm sky with a decisive blade. But rarely, one of the sighted people thought, but what does a rainbow smell like? Rain? Thunder? Lightning? Maybe something light, or, on the contrary, strong, long-lasting memory? Do the colors of the rainbow merge into a single complex smell, or does each shade of it have its own unique aroma?

SOME time ago, scientists were seriously interested in the question of whether blind people can distinguish colors. And science unequivocally answered this question: yes, they can! But how? The answer was astonishing in its simplicity - the smell! Blind people describe “color aromas” with such ease that their sensations immediately began to be used not only in science, but also in perfumery.
The combination of color and smell can sometimes be called the key - especially for human appearance. It happens: a woman is walking down the street. And she is dressed beautifully, and her gait is light, and the handbag is perfectly matched to the shoes - and you pass by and involuntarily think: what bad taste!
And you are surprised: what is it with me, because the beauty is almost perfect, but something didn’t like it nearby, “played a minus” ... Passing by and quietly marveling at ourselves, we do not realize that dissonance is introduced into this superbly “tailored” image a smell that does not match the key colors of the outfit. Therefore, the image “crumbles” upon close contact (when our nose already senses the aroma) and is not perceived as a whole. Even the most sophisticated perfumes can have a negative effect on others if their fragrance does not match the color of the suit.
Colors, like smells, are divided into warm and cold. Therefore, in the perfume industry around the world, a tendency has formed to match the “smell” of the packaging with the aroma of the perfume itself. And recently, due to the increasing popularity of pure natural fragrances, the relationship between color and smell in the design of perfume packaging is most pronounced. It is believed that different shades of the red-yellow spectrum are good for a floral bouquet, which, as fresh and transparent notes increase, becomes more pastel (white color is added). Oriental and spicy flavors are most often associated with dark red, chocolate and even black. Perfume in a green package speaks of its "juiciness", "sourness", "grassy" shades and suits a green suit, while a soft blue bottle "assures" that the fragrance contained in it will perfectly complement the romantic shades of blue.
Of course, we can fully rely on the experience of specialists in this field, but only if we agree to use mass production. But we prefer individuality, don't we? Therefore, we are not looking for easy ways, but we want to figure out for ourselves what fragrance to “wear” with what outfit! And we don’t want to buy a fragrant bottle in a beautiful package just because tomorrow we have to put on a green suit for business negotiations, the color of which is not found in any other thing in our wardrobe (and the perfume should remain to “gather dust” on the shelf? )! No, we want to mix "Our Fragrances" - individual, unique, bright and inimitable! Well, if so, then it makes sense to take advantage of the achievements of modern science, which has deciphered what our rainbow smells like.

Red color

The red color is ideally complemented by the smells of roses, rosewood, bay leaves, black pepper, nutmeg. For various shades - burgundy, scarlet - you can add to the main smells, for example, tart sage, graceful verbena, bright geranium or sophisticated juniper. In general, the entire palette of red fits perfectly into the thesis that the scarlet color should smell of Life.

Orange color

For an orange-tuned outfit, in addition to orange, bergamot, tangerine and bigardia, chamomile, palmarosa and jasmine are also suitable (in accordance with the depth and saturation of red hues). A great addition to the "red" shade is ylang-ylang, which adds depth to the color, slightly "weighting" it.

Yellow

The main aroma of yellow, its first tone is ... basil! A cool but persistent smell can become the base for many combinations - including those with citrus fruits. For example, for “acid yellow”, a mixture of basil and limette is ideal, and for “chicken”, grapefruit shades are added to the main aroma. The yellow palette also includes rosemary and myrtle.

Green color

Green smells like... apples and green tea! This color is not in vain considered a shade of fertility - in the world of aromas it is perfectly characterized by everything "natural" and natural. Pale green requires
more ethereal and light smells with a pronounced tannin note - petite grain, bergamot, grapefruit, sage, and rich emerald goes well with salivating aromas - limette, verbena, leuzea, citronella.

Blue

Companions of the blue color are “watery” and coniferous aromas - lavender, marjoram, hyssop (perfectly combined with any shades of sky blue), and spruce, cedar, cypress, pine, fir bring more realism to the blueness. The smell of wormwood is also not alien to blue (however, this essential oil has many side effects that are dangerous to health, so synthetic fragrances called "wormwood" are usually used instead of it).

Blue colour

Blue is always associated with frost and cold (everything is like in the song: “Blue-blue frost ...”), therefore its companions are “cold” smells. Any "summer" fragrances conflict with the blue range, for which the base fragrance is a silver-crunchy mint and menthol smell - the smell of the "Holodok" candy. Blue also looks good framed by our “bluish” needles, camphor aromas - eucalyptus, tea tree, nayoli ...

Purple

Violet - the last in the spectrum in order, but not the last in importance - is the most "ethereal" of the shades, and requires irrationality, strength and confidence from a person. Shades of purple always hide a certain secret in themselves, a touch of ozone means that such aromas as myrtle, neroli, grapefruit, patchouli are suitable for them.

White color

So, we “ran over” the rainbow, now it makes sense to touch on the rest of the basic and most common colors in clothes:
white smells of vanilla and ... freshness, shea butter. This color does not tolerate heaviness, preferring "light" aromas - floral, woody (lavender, verbena, greyfruit, juniper, lavender, neroli). Avoid "wearing" under white "low" flavors.

Grey colour

Gray color takes its "smells" mainly from the "green" spectrum. These are persistent, but rather light aromas - floral and fruity. However,
when putting on a gray suit, it is important not to overdo it with the concentration of perfume, otherwise the smell will “cloud” the image of a person who, a few minutes after his departure, in the memories of his interlocutors, he will remain only a pleasantly smelling “spot”, not
having a special personality.

Pink color

Pink color requires understanding - it is a shade that does not tolerate excess. As in the case of white, you should never use complex fragrances with a long sillage, something simpler is better: subtle ethereal scents of flowers, fruits or sweets...

Brown color

Brown tones suggest a rich, "low" and dense smell, it is suitable for aromas of essential oils with earthy, leathery, balsamic notes and a sweetish aftertaste (like the smell of bitter chocolate). This "solid" color scheme does not tolerate "lightweight" perfumes at all, requiring for itself a strong, adventurous, memorable bouquet with a long aromatic "train". In this context, cinnamon, cloves, thyme, fennel, jasmine, ginger are ideal.

Black color

Perhaps the only remarkable exception to the colorful palette is black - absolutely any smell suits it. Dragging ourselves into this solemn color, we can experiment with fragrances as we please and to any degree (black hides even the abuse of concentration of smell). However, it should be remembered that the color of soot does not imply bad taste, so you should not falsely rattle fruit and citrus notes against its background - it is better to use more “solid” aromas.

But one should also not forget about individual associations associated with smell, color, and events that have become a thing of the past. Sometimes the color has its own smell for us: it seems to someone that gray smells like the sea, and to someone it smells like the cologne of a beloved man. Therefore, it is still worth choosing colors that evoke positive emotions, thinking about what smell this color is associated with.
Let's wake up our best mood with bright colors! Let's mix a raging palette with a thrill of aromas to feel the delight of the fullness of life. Let the diversity of our dawns, days and evenings be complemented by the entire spectrum of harmony of aromas!

The smell plays a big role in everyone's life - it is a familiar component of our sensations, and we do not focus on it much attention. Smells surround us everywhere and affect our mood and physical condition. Some of them are pleasant, some are annoying and cause a headache, and some evoke memories and cause visual images. This fully applies to flowers that smell - their aroma can be both pleasant and annoying. It even happens that the name of a flower does not mean anything, but its smell will immediately give out a visual image.

Causes of smell in flowers

The reason for the smell of plants lies in the presence of essential oils in its various parts: stem, roots, leaves, flowers, bark, seeds. The chemical structure of oils has its own characteristics - when exposed to certain temperatures, it breaks down into molecules that are carried through the air, exuding a certain smell. The combination of all these smells and gives the aroma to the plant.

On a note! A flower that smells attracts pollinating insects or, conversely, repels pests and herbivores - nature has arranged it so that everything in it seeks to extend its life cycle.

Also, phytoncides of essential oils help plant organisms resist infection by bacteria and viruses.

Each flower culture adapts in a peculiar way to specific pollinators, for example:

• flowers pollinated by moths open closer to the night, and their fragrance at this time reaches its maximum;
• bright large beautiful flowers attract insects with their appearance, therefore, most often, their aroma is less pronounced than that of small flowers;
• the aroma of flowers with a light color is more fragrant and delicate;
• predatory plants smell bad and unpleasant, thereby repelling insects, but attracting flies, which pollinate them.

The most fragrant flowers in the world

In the variety of flowering crops, there are very fragrant flowers, and there are those whose aroma is barely distinguishable. These are representatives of exotic species, and those that are not particularly remarkable, but they are all beautiful in their own way and deserve attention and recognition. Let's get acquainted with some of them - find out the name of the flower, its features and where it comes from.

Plumeria in nature is a tall tree with long, oval-shaped leathery leaves of bright green color. The birthplace of culture is the tropics in the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, the South American continent and the southern part of the Asian region.

Leaves and fleshy five-petalled flowers with a strong pleasant aroma, similar to stars with rounded edges, collected in dense inflorescences, give decorativeness to the tree. The color of the flower is delicate, warm shades, and in the center - golden yellow, which makes it especially attractive.

The flowers emit their strongest fragrance before sunrise and in the evening when the sun is gone. Interestingly, in bright sun, the flowers almost do not smell.

On a note! The smell of flowers attracts insects in search of nectar, but plumeria flowers do not have it! But the aroma played its role - the plant was pollinated.

It is impossible to say that there is any specific smell in the fragrance - it contains jasmine and citrus notes, the aroma of forest lily of the valley, spices and gardenia flickers.

In temperate climates, the culture is grown indoors as an ornamental tree.

Interesting flower facts:

• in Nicaragua, he is a symbol of the nation, his image is on banknotes;
• petals withstand temperatures up to 500 ° C;
• is a sign of marital status in Polynesia - if a woman has it behind her right ear, then she is looking for a couple, if behind the left, then there is already a couple;
• in the culture of India, it is a symbol of immortality - a tree is planted near temples, in cemeteries, so that fallen flowers decorate the graves.

Many people know how lavender smells - its aroma is often used in various perfume compositions. In nature, the culture is found in regions with a warm climate, and in a temperate climate it is grown as an indoor flower.

Lavender is a tall lush shrub (up to 1m) with narrow leaves and inflorescences in the form of a semi-umbrella or spike. The flowers of lilac-violet color with a strong spicy aroma and tart taste give originality to the plant.

Interesting! Not only fresh flowers smell strongly, but also dried ones - moths, mosquitoes, mosquitoes do not like their aroma.

Interesting Facts:

• the name of the plant comes from the Latin word "lava" (to wash) and it turns out that in the old days the flower was used for washing and washing;
• together with other spices, flowers and leaves are used to treat insomnia, migraines, they serve as raw materials for the production of lavender oil and culinary seasoning;
• dried flowers are added to smoldering sawdust and coal when smoking meat;
• Lavender honey has medicinal properties.

Alyssum is grown in garden plots, on balconies and terraces as an annual ornamental plant with a strong aroma. It can also be used in special plantings as a honey plant - the flowers emit a strong delicate honey aroma, attracting bees.

The culture gained well-deserved popularity for the decorative appearance of a low bush and the original small spherical inflorescence.

Interesting Facts:

• white flowers smell stronger;
• flowers of any kind of alyssum after pollination become larger and attract insects to neighboring bushes that are just preparing to bloom.

As an ornamental culture, ylang-ylang (fragrant kalanga) is of no interest to gardeners - it is a nondescript evergreen tree with "withering" flowers. Flowers of a greenish-yellow or pale pink color really seem to be drooping and fading, but they smell in such a way that you cannot confuse their aroma with other smells - it is so strong and memorable.

The characteristic rich smell of flowers contains a whole bouquet of aromas - you can catch notes of jasmine, neroli, gardenia, orchids.

The natural habitat of the culture is the warm regions of Southeast Asia, the north of Australia.

Interesting Facts:

• at an Indonesian wedding, there must be a garland of fresh ylang-ylang flowers;
• in religious and magical rites in the Philippines, the aroma of dried flowers is used when they are burned;
• ylan-ylang is considered a strong aphrodisiac, and garlands of fresh flowers are placed at the head of the newlyweds;
• the aromatic oil of the plant was used in the harems of the Middle East;
• in Victorian England, the flowers were used as a hair pomade;
• Ylang-ylang began to be used as a fragrance for alcoholic perfumes in France and, what is important in perfumery, its aroma goes well with other perfume smells.

The plant owes its name "Tuberose" or "Polyantes tuberous" to the structure of the root system (in Latin, the word "tuberosa" is derived from the word "tuber" - tuber) and has nothing to do with the rose.

In many nations, the flower is called the “queen of aromas”, “the king of aromas” - this is due to the distinctive feature of the culture brought from Mexico. Tuberose is valued for its snow-white beautiful flowers and for its sweet, delicate, with many shades, aroma, incomparable with anything else. Someone considers it refined and refined, but for someone it seems cloying.

Interesting about the flower:

• it takes about 1000 kg of flowers to produce 1 liter of tuberose oil;
• tuberose oil is one of the most expensive oils in perfumery - 1000 ml of oil costs about 12,000 dollars;
• the aroma acquires a maximum saturation at night;
• tuberose was the favorite flower of King Louis XIV of France;
• flowers after cutting continue to accumulate aromatic substances.

The cultivation of matthiola (levkoy), originally from the Mediterranean and southern European regions, has a specific goal - the aromatherapy of the site. During the day, other flowers are fragrant in the flower garden, and in the evening the main role passes to matthiola - the flowers closed during the daytime open and exude a pleasant aroma, filling them with all the space around. Therefore, beautifully smelling flowers are planted near gazebos, terraces, along the paths, in order to fully enjoy the aroma on an evening walk.

Reference! Another name for the flower "night violet" conveys its distinctive feature - flowering at night.

Unusual flower facts:

• the aroma of the flower repels pests, so it is recommended to plant a flower next to potato plantings;
• in the Middle Ages, levkoy was valued in the same way as a rose and a lily, later lost its position;
• alcohol tincture of matthiola leaves has antibacterial properties.

Jasmine gardenia has long been cultivated at home as a beautiful ornamental plant in the form of a low bush with dense green leaves and large white flowers. A native of Japan, China, India, he has firmly established himself in a temperate climate and is very popular among lovers of original indoor plants.

A distinctive feature of the culture is not only the decorative appearance, but also the breathtaking aroma of flowers that smell like a mixture of vanilla and cinnamon. The aroma of gardenia in the cold winter brings back memories of summer and romantic evenings.

Interesting about gardenia:

• many perfume brands, for example, Nina Ricci, Chanel Gardenia, Dior Miss Dior use the scent of gardenia jasmine;
• substances contained in plant phytoncides have a calming effect on a person, improve mood;
• the flower is used to attract the attention of the opposite sex (powder from dried flowers is rubbed into the skin before the meeting);
• fruits and roots are used in traditional medicine recipes.

Beautiful flowers with an unpleasant smell

The world of flowers, diverse and multifaceted, is most often associated with beautiful, pleasantly smelling flowers. But not everything is so simple in the world of plants - among flowering crops there are those whose appearance does not fit in any way with the fetid smell they emit.

A flower that smells so that you want to leave and not smell this smell cannot look beautiful and original, but, nevertheless, it is so - beauty is combined with an unpleasant, impossible smell.

In appearance, a succulent plant with succulent and fleshy shoots resembles a cactus, and the flowers, covered with villi and spots, look like a five-pointed star. Despite its external attractiveness, the beautiful bright flower smells like rotting flesh.

The heat-loving flower is native to South Africa and grows where flies are the only pollinators. This explains the unpleasant smell - flies are attracted only by such a specific "aroma".

Attention! When growing a slipway, you should be prepared for the fact that during flowering you will need to either put up with the smell, or move the flower pot away from the most visited places.

Lysichiton belongs to wetland plants and grows in one place for more than one year. The flower is so called because of the presence of a "spread" around the inflorescence, resembling a calla. The cover is gradually destroyed as the fruit ripens. An unusual plant can be found in Alaska, in the Far Eastern regions, in the western regions of the United States.

The popular name of lysichiton is "swamp skunk". This is due to the fact that beautiful lemon-yellow or white flowers smell like fetid stagnant swamp slurry. The smell is not associated with a beautiful delicate flower, but Nature arranged it this way to attract pollinators.

Interesting about lysichiton:

• blooms very early - in April;
• the flower emits heat that can melt the snow next to the snow - this allows the plant to survive in cold weather;
• perfect for decorating ponds, low areas with stagnant water;
• in ancient times it was used as a plant with medicinal properties.

Nature has made it possible for a person to enjoy the beautiful in its various manifestations - very beautiful flowers with a wonderful enchanting aroma and no less beautiful, but disgustingly smelling plants. But, nevertheless, the wonderful world of plants adds beauty and positivity to our lives, sometimes making us think about what - everyone will find their own reason for this.

For example, red raises blood pressure, while blue lowers it. Nutritionists have long known that orange stimulates appetite and encourages a person to eat faster. Warm colors are stimulating, while cool colors are soothing and relaxing. The color of our clothes affects how others perceive us. In the same way, our emotions are affected by smells. Different scents easily evoke memories of certain events in the past.

We can enhance any part of the garden by planting flowers in a shade that suits the location. These shades are determined by the cardinal points. In the previous chapter, we provided the primary colors for each of the directions. Below we describe them in more detail.

The East corresponds to the trigram Zhen and the colors brown and green. This part of the garden is associated with health.

The southeast corresponds to the Xun trigram and the colors red, green, blue and purple. This part of the garden is associated with money and prosperity.

South corresponds to the trigram Li and red with orange. This part of the garden is associated with your personal power and position in society.

The southwest corresponds to the Kun trigram and the colors pink, red and white. This part of the garden is associated with love and marriage.

West corresponds to the Dui trigram and white and silver colors. This part of the garden is associated with children, pets and creativity.

Northwest corresponds to the Qian trigram and colors - white, gray, black, purple. This part of the garden is associated with travel, teachers and other people who can help you.

North corresponds to the Kan trigram and colors transparent (like water), blue and black. This part of the garden is related to your career.

The northeast corresponds to the Gen trigram and the colors green, blue and black. This part of the garden is associated with knowledge and learning.

The center corresponds to yellow and orange. This part of the garden is associated with peace and spirituality.

These directions are valid for each of the individual gardens. For example, you can consider their influence in relation to the plan of the entire site, or to each of the flower beds, or to different parts of the garden separately. If you have your own secret garden, you can choose suitable colors for it, guided by the correspondences described above. You can have a positive impact on any area of ​​your life with the help of colors related to it. For example, if you want to increase your spiritual potential, plant daffodils (or any yellow or orange flowers) in the center of your garden. Likewise, if you need more money, plant red, green, blue, or purple flowers in the southeast. In doing so, you may need to activate the career zone (in the north) of your garden.

The five colors of feng shui

Traditionally, five colors are considered the most important in feng shui. This is due to the beneficial effect that they have on the owners. These five flowers are: peony, chrysanthemum, white magnolia, orchid and lotus.

The peony grows naturally in Mongolia and Russia. It is the most important of the five colors and symbolizes wealth, honor and love. During its flowering, it symbolizes a huge fortune. In China, it is sometimes called the "flower of twenty days" because its petals do not wither for almost three weeks. It is said that the peony tree lives for more than one hundred and twenty years. A peony planted in the southwestern part of the garden helps to solve problems in relationships between people. In China, the presence of peonies in the house indicates that the family has an adult unmarried daughter.

The chrysanthemum comes from China. It symbolizes happiness and laughter. Chrysanthemums are often seen in the homes of the Chinese, as they are considered a sign of comfort, happiness and a pleasant life. They also remind of dignity and strength of character.

White magnolias and orchids are a symbol of good taste and femininity. In China, white magnolia is believed to represent purity and sincerity. The bark and buds of magnolia are used as a remedy.

Lotus Buddhists and Hindus consider a sacred flower, symbolizing purity. Buddhists depict the Buddha sitting on a huge lotus flower with a smaller lotus in his hand. Vishnu, the Hindu god, is also often depicted floating on nine golden lotuses. In the garden, the lotus reminds of peace, purity, tranquility and spiritual growth. It also increases creativity.

Color selection

Color choice is a personal matter and therefore it is not possible to give advice on specific color shades and color combinations. Once I happened to visit the garden, where there was a huge flower bed with red flowers of all possible shades. At first, my eyes tingled, but then I got used to it and find that this combination is very effective. However, the woman who kept me company called it the most disgusting garden she had ever visited. The owner of the garden was a psychiatrist, and he created it specifically to observe people's reactions. He found that the view of the garden was shocking in the first few minutes, but after a while, about half of the visitors got used to the wild color combination, and many even began to like it, but the second half could not get used to it. The flower bed in question was in the marriage zone, but I never had the courage to ask the owner what effect so much red had on his family life.

Naturally, we like some colors more than others, and each of us tries to create spectacular color combinations in the garden. However, the colors that, in my opinion, are perfectly combined with each other, may seem completely incompatible to you. It is important to understand that in nature a riot of colors and shades is formed into a single whole. Therefore, arguing about which colors are combined and which are not is a waste of time, since there can be no exact and single answer for everyone.

Red

Red is the strongest color and creates a striking effect in the garden. Red flowers usually immediately catch the eye. Red color can cheer up, give strength. If you feel tired and sleepy, a few minutes spent in the garden contemplating red flowers will bring back your lost energy. You can choose from a very wide range of red colors. Naturally, roses top the list of popularity, and there is a huge variety of them. I have always loved the jagged leaves and fiery red flowers of geraniums. My wife prefers a velvety violet that can come in a wide variety of colors, including red. Other favorites of ours include fuchsia, chrysanthemum and oriental poppy with its large red and black petals that are soft and silky to the touch. Naturally, your choice of flowers will be determined by the climate of the places where you live. We live in a temperate climate at sea level. Of course, the flowers that grow in our garden will be different from those that grow in yours if you live at a height of one and a half kilometers, where the temperature ranges from 0 to 35 degrees.

Pink

Pink is the most feminine color and is associated with emotions. This is a soft, gentle color, reminiscent of care, protection and support. No wonder pink is considered the color of love. My mother loved begonias and I always remember my childhood when I see their pink and white flowers. Cyclamens also come in different shades of pink and white. The cineraria can have different colors, including pink. Dahlia is a luxurious spherical flower on a long straight stem. Among the wide range of colors of dahlias, pink is also my favorite. Phloxes, tulips, amaryllis and peonies are flowers that for me symbolize peace and tranquility.

Orange

It is a warm, restless color that gives energy and uplifting mood. The sunflower and the tinker's navel (anthemis tinctoria) are my favorite orange flowers. The sunflowers are big, and the umbilical flowers are small, daisy-like, but both have a soft eye in the center, which I really like. Primroses are painted in different colors, including bright orange. Yellow, orange and red wallflower petals will brighten up any garden. The California poppy may be almost bronze, but its usual colors are orange, white and yellow.

In imperial China, yellow was considered such a sacred color that only the emperor could wear yellow. The Egyptians and Mayans considered yellow the color of the Sun and revered its life-sustaining power. Yellow flowers can cheer up and make you happy when you are feeling down. Yellow uplifts, pleases and warms. By the way, yellow flowers have a positive effect on mental abilities and are conducive to communication. One of the most unusual yellow flowers that I have seen is the lady's slipper orchid (cypripedium calceotus), whose petals really resemble a miniature slipper or cradle. My late father-in-law grew orchids for many years, and it was the lady's slipper that interested him most. Where I grew up, yellow onions were everywhere, and they still remind me of my childhood. Daffodils are probably my favorite yellow flowers, although it's hard for me to choose just one among the variety of species. One of my acquaintances was appointed to the position of sales manager. He was a quiet, shy young man, and he was very worried about his ability to communicate with clients. I suggested that he plant daffodils in the career zone of his garden. This (combined with his desire to work) ensured his complete success in his new position.

Green

Green is a gentle, healing color. It is in the center of the color spectrum and evokes a sense of balance and harmony. Naturally, there is enough greenery in the garden, but there are also green flowers that can be planted. Lady's mantle (alchemilia mollis) is covered with small creamy green flowers. The Irish bluebells (Molucella iaevis) have green bell-like flowers hanging on long needles, the bear's paw (hellebonis foetidus) also has flowers like bells, and white pistils like bell reeds. Common ivy (hedera helix) looks very nice. It has small green flowers that are arranged in tight clusters on the stem to attract bees.

Blue enhances creativity. It also represents hope, trust and optimism. When you need an answer to a difficult question or feel overwhelmed, spend some time surrounded by blue. The witch violet (viola major), with its almost square blue-purple petals, is a perfect example of a blue flower. Full-time flower (anagallis linifolia), lobelia (lobelia tenuior) and viper onion (muscari neglectum, a kind of hyacinth) are also representatives of this group of flowers. When I was a child, my mother had a whole row of agapanthus lilies in front of her house. The muted color of the petals contrasted beautifully with the long, glossy leaves. Two of my favorite plants have gorgeous sky blue flowers. These are the blue delphinium and the Himalayan poppy (meconopsis betonicifolia).

Violet

Purple is the color of thoughtfulness, spirituality and peace. It is associated with intuition and concern for others. Without a doubt, the most famous of the purple flowers is the fragrant violet itself. In ancient Greece, it was a symbol of the power of Athens. In the Middle Ages, its petals were used instead of sugar and as a deodorant. In Victorian England, violets were sold on the streets. Strangely enough, after the First World War, the violet was almost forgotten. You can choose from a great variety of violets, lilacs and purples. their front garden full of blueheads (eryngium oliverianum).The fluffy balls of these flowers are like pincushions resting on purple stars.Unfortunately, I never managed to grow them myself.Other flowers that can add purple to your garden, - heliotrope (heliotropium peruvianum), ivy-leaved geranium (pelargonium peltatum), virginian primrose (primrose) (mertensia vil^inica) and some petunias (which come in a variety of colors).

White is usually considered the color of purity and innocence. It is also associated with inspiration, illumination, spirituality and love. I especially love the peaceful look of the white flowers at sunset and in the evening. No wonder white roses are so popular. There are a lot of them, but my favorite variety is the one sometimes called “iceberg”. Have you ever felt a rush of calm and peace when you pass by a garden full of pubescent saplings (cerastium tomentosum)? These are small herbaceous plants, entirely strewn with small white flowers. The flowers of the white snowdrop (galanthus rivalis) look like miniature ballerinas dancing in the wind. May lily of the valley flowers look like small white bells. Geranium flowers are collected in large bouquets of pure white. These are all my favorites, but there are thousands and thousands of other whites you can choose from.

Some gardeners use color charts to determine which colors harmonize and contrast. I prefer to rely on my own feelings in this. Matching colors is a lot of fun, and if in the end you're happy with the overall effect, everything else just doesn't matter. It is necessary to take into account the difference between bright and pastel colors. Bright (red, white, yellow and some shades of blue) are exciting, they tend to dominate the garden, they push into the background more subtle colors. Therefore, they must be used with caution. In the end it all comes down to personal preference. That is why the garden so reflects the personality of its owner. Try to create harmony in your garden, but don't be afraid to experiment with color.

Choice of scent

One of the nicest things about a garden is the variety of subtle scents. I remember as a child taking an old blind lady around the botanical garden and how she made me blush, recognizing a huge number of plants solely by smell.

Have you noticed how smells can instantly bring to mind long-forgotten moments of life? More recently, the smell of geranium took me back to when I was still a preschooler. Geranium leaves only release fragrance when they come into contact with something. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I and the rest of the children eventually exhausted all the geraniums in the house, enjoying their smell. Honeysuckle always reminds me of carefree summer vacation days at the beach. Roses bring up a lot of memories, some of them are pleasant and others are not.

When we studied Napoleon at school, the teacher brought a bouquet of violets to the class. The love story of Napoleon and Josephine comes to mind every time I breathe in the scent of violets. In the past, violets were loved for their color, smell, and even taste. Wine was made from them, and even now you can find violet marmalade and violet tea. The Prophet Mohammed described the incomparable aroma of violets in this way: “...as my religion is above all others, so the aroma of violets surpasses all other aromas. In winter it warms, and in summer it brings coolness.

The smell comes from the essential oils produced in the flowers of the plants. In herbs, the essential oil is produced in the leaves. The chemical structure of this substance, which is called “rose oil”, is quite simple in herbs and very complex in other plants, with each species developing its own very complex formula.

Aromatic plants can be planted anywhere, but are best in places where the smell is not immediately carried away by air movement. A pergola or decorative wall will become many times more beautiful with a climbing plant that has a pleasant smell. Examples of such plants are honeysuckle, clematis and jasmine. You can choose one of the varieties of climbing roses.

There are whole lawns of grass that smell when a person walks over it. A good example of this is chamomile, which becomes especially fragrant after rain, as well as garden mint and peppermint. Creeping zinnia covers the ground well and spreads very quickly. It produces an abundance of small yellow flowers and spreads a pleasant aroma. Smelly lawns will cause your friends a storm of delight and surprise. I will never forget the delight I felt when I unexpectedly walked into a thyme-covered meadow at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent many years ago.

In patios and outdoor recreation areas, you can plant a sweet-smelling shrub to add even more charm to your favorite place. For this, navel, thyme and all kinds of mints are suitable. Many plants smell stronger in the evening and can be planted in front of the gate - they will greet you when you return from work. My parents planted an evening violet under their windows, and its smell remains my favorite childhood smell. A good example of flowers smelling in the evening are evening primrose and phlox.

It is a good idea to plant an aromatic shrub that blooms in winter. This will allow you to enjoy your garden all year round. Varieties of honeysuckle, cimomanthus praecox, daphnes and viburnum, bloom during the winter months. Japanese quince decorates the garden all year round; from late autumn to early spring, it pleases the eye with garlands of fragrant yellow flowers.

Thousands of years ago, man wished to bring the scents of the garden into his home. In ancient Egyptian burials, archaeologists have found jugs of aromatic oils that are more than four thousand years old. This fact is all the more remarkable when you consider how difficult it is to obtain rose oil even today. The art of perfumery was known to the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Jews, Carthaginians, Greeks and Romans.

Luckily, we can easily bring scents into our home with fresh flowers, herbal pillows and balls.

Roses are loved for their fragrance, probably no less than for their color, appearance and for the fact that they remind of love. Roses were loved in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome and have inspired writers ever since (think Shakespeare). Generally speaking, the best perfumes were obtained from roses. In Persia, entire fields were set aside for the Kazanlak rose: rose oil was extracted from this flower. The most famous and fragrant of modern roses is the Beauty of America, which, unfortunately, is not as common today as it used to be. Species with a particularly strong scent include gallica, damask, musky, bourbon, and briar roses, each of which occurs in several varieties. In general, there are a lot of fragrant flowers. Heliotrope, honeysuckle, jasmine, jonquilia, lily, lily of the valley, geranium, peony, levkoy and violet are just a few species that can grow almost anywhere.

The Romans were the first to use scented substances as a sleep aid by adding rose petals to pillows. Queen Elizabeth I's mattress was stuffed with bedstraw (galium odorata). George III could not sleep without his pillow of hops. The ladies of Victorian England used lavender cushions to combat bouts of melancholy, and mint cushions were reputed to cure headaches. A friend of mine, when his nose gets stuffy, saves himself with a pillow stuffed with pine needles. Lavender was brought to England by the ancient Romans, who used it to scent baths. (The very name lavender comes from the Latin lavo, “I wash.”) It is still popular today, perhaps because it retains its fragrance longer than other herbs, even when dried. By the way, lavender gets along well with rose.

A herb garden can greatly increase the potential of your large garden. Other aromatic herbs include lemon verbena, pennyroyal and rosemary. They not only exude aromas, but also give a piquant taste to food, have a healing effect and look great. Herbs can be used to scent clothing and underwear. A grass lawn can be placed anywhere, but it is best in the family area, as it is also associated with health. In Chapter Eight, we will talk about herb gardens in more detail.

In past centuries, when sanitation and hygiene were not very developed, housewives used the so-called "dry perfume" - a mixture of dried fragrant flower petals and herbs to hide the smell of an unwashed body. Today, many people buy such dry perfumes, but making them yourself is not difficult, and this is a very nice gift. Remember that only lavender, rose and carnation retain their scent even after drying. Others - cornflower, delphinium and calendula - are used in dry perfumes for their vibrant coloring. Aromatic oils and spices are often added to them.

Dry perfumes themselves are very beneficial from a feng shui point of view, as a pleasant aroma creates qi and neutralizes harmful influences. However, they are made from dried plants, which is considered undesirable. After all, feng shui means “wind and water”, and dried flowers do not contain water. Therefore, some feng shui experts consider it unacceptable to use dry perfumes. The reasons for this are understandable, but I personally believe that the benefits and pleasure they bring outweigh the negative aspect.

In the past, a noble lady did not leave the house without a bouquet of fragrant flowers, which was called a “boutonniere”. It was believed that he protected the hostess from illness, as well as from unpleasant street odors. These bouquets were selected by color and smell. The term “boutonniere” itself appeared in 1440 and would still be in use today, if not for the significant development of sanitation and hygiene over the past two hundred years. In Victorian England, the combination of flowers in a boutonniere carried a secret message. It has become so popular that many books have appeared explaining the meaning of the various colors. One of the most popular is The Illuminated Language of Flowers by Kate Greenway; This book is still available for purchase today.

Such a bouquet is easy to make yourself. Choose a few scented flowers and leaves. I myself use miniature roses, lavender, thyme, marjoram, pansies, sweet peas, lemon verbena, chamomile and honeysuckle to make boutonnieres. Cut the stems to the desired length and put in water for two to three hours. After that, you can collect a bouquet, starting from the center and securing the flowers with raffia or woolen thread. It will be easier to assemble the boutonniere by rotating it in your hand and adding flowers one at a time. When the bouquet is ready, it is bordered with a layer of fragrant leaves. If desired, add ribbons and lace.

A boutonniere is a wonderful gift, very unusual and attractive. You can place them around the house for the sake of aroma and bright color.

In the garden, fragrant flowers can be planted anywhere. For example, roses planted in the marriage zone will have a beneficial effect on your relationship with your spouse. Pay special attention to the choice of color. Pink roses symbolize more romantic, ideal love than red, fiery, passionate roses. The stronger their flavor, the better.

Freshly cut flowers can be placed everywhere in the house. Plants in pots will also allow you to constantly enjoy the aroma of the garden in the house. One of my homely pleasures is the sweet smell of holly geranium on a cold winter evening.

If you have a fireplace, you can burn cherry and apple logs in it. An elderly relative of mine used to burn bunches of lavender and rosemary in the fireplace during the winter months. She told me how her father fumigated the rooms with smoldering lavender.

Rely on your intuition when deciding which colors and scents to include in your garden. Naturally, you will have to take into account the climatic conditions and the amount of light and shade in your area. My wife and I love to shop for gardeners, and often a plant attracts us with its unusual color or smell. If we decide that it will take root in our garden, we buy it, because we have long understood that, trusting intuition, we are rarely mistaken.

In Japan, flowers are very fond of and are well versed in the shades of their aromas. There is even a game that entertains guests: you need to blindfold and guess by smell what flowers are in front of you.

Well, it is not so difficult for a person with a developed sense of smell to guess the name of a flower by smell. There is nothing to say about those who study fragrant substances, they have to deal with a lot of smells. After all, fragrant substances are apparently invisible, and each one has its own inherent aroma.

But for a long time no one could guess what the properties of these substances are, what they consist of.

In ancient times, their study was only very superficial: what is the color and smell of essential oil, what happens to it when it is cooled and heated. Therefore, the most incredible judgments arose. It was believed, for example, that essential oils consist of two substances: one is material, the same for all oils, the other, which determines the smell, is something mysterious, elusive ...

One way or another, it was once believed that each essential oil is a homogeneous substance contaminated with some kind of impurities.

Over time, this opinion has been shattered. And then it was completely refuted. Of course, this happened after careful research. Now it is easy to confirm them. Science has found many ways to determine the composition of a mixture of substances.

It is possible, for example, to force the investigated liquid to flow through a glass tube filled with the so-called active powder: silica, coal, sugar. Various substances will be retained to a greater or lesser extent by the active powder, pass through the tube at different speeds. The mixture of substances will be separated.

You can also “sniff out” the composition of the essential oil in a different way.

To do this, it must also be placed in the tube. Only very long - up to 120 meters. So it is better to pre-roll the tube into a spiral, especially since it must fit in a special device - a thermostat. There, the essential oil tube will gradually heat up.

The substances that make up the oil evaporate in different ways: some are easier, others are more difficult. So they will be located in a certain order along the entire length of the tube. And they will exit the tube in the same order, one after the other. What kind of substances are found out by special, precisely operating equipment.

Through the work of many scientists, it has been established that essential oils are combinations of many substances. However, even among them there are the main 1-2 substances - “cores”, which determine the main smell of the oil. For example, the aroma of lemon is determined by citral, mint - menthol, lilac - terpineol, rose - geraniol. And cloves and allspice have the same "core" - eugenol. Therefore, their aroma is similar.

And in amber and musk there are substances “responsible” for the smell. In amber - ambrein. In musk there is muscone, even though in the gland of the squash it is only three tenths of a gram.

Now the creators of fragrant compositions could, with their eyes closed, not only guess the name of a flower by smell, but also say what substances determine its aroma.